Resources for starting out in graphic design, from senior designers at Otherway
Graphic design plays a vital role in shaping our daily brand experiences. But it doesn’t stop at visual communication: it also encompasses strategy, art direction, illustration, production, web design, and programming. If you’ve ever been curious about this creative realm, Otherway, a strategically-led design studio renowned for crafting innovative and impactful brand experiences for clients, is here to help. Below, the studio’s senior designers Jordan Mann and Rhiannon Brackpool recommend a list of resources to help you kickstart your graphic design journey.
🧑💻 Online Tools and Resources
Type01 (Online Magazine)
This magazine provides ”a fresh, contemporary viewpoint on the graphic design and typography industry“. It offers insights into typography trends, interviews with industry experts, and showcases of innovative design projects. It’s great for inspiration and practical knowledge, with a focus on contemporary type design.
Check out Type01 here
Are.na (Website)
Are.na is a creative platform that lets users collect, organise, and share ideas visually through customisable channels, making it a valuable tool for inspiration, research, and collaboration across various fields. It encourages thoughtful curation and discovery, and is ideal for designers, artists, and creative thinkers.
Check out Are.na here
Awwwards (Website)
Awwwards is a great place to get inspiration for website design. It pushes you to think beyond design and layout, to consider functionality and how that can help to enrich a brand.
Check out Awwwards here
Brand New (Blog)
A blog specialising in the latest branding work, Brand New sets itself apart because the author – ex-Pentagram designer, Armin Vit – gives thorough critiques of the brands showcased. It can be really helpful to help hone ideas and craft, and the small monthly subscription fee is well worth it.
Check out Brand New here
🏛️ Online Libraries
Future Fonts (Type Foundry)
A great place to find typography that pushes the boundaries, this website specialises in work-in-progress fonts that are more experimental and creative than most normal foundries. Plus, a lot of them offer free trials!
Check out Future Fonts here
Eyecandy (Visual Library)
Eyecandy is a great resource that offers an extensive library of visual techniques, transitions, effects and motion graphics in film.
📱Online Creators
@c__l__o (Website and Instagram)
@c__l__o on Instagram and the CLO Circle website are great for discovering creative talent and inspiration. CLO Circle’s Instagram curates diverse imagery, while the newsletter allows contributors to explore themes and share insights, fostering a collaborative and innovative community.
Check out c__l__o’s Instagram here and the CLO Circle website here
@TypeDesignClass (Instagram)
This creator offers bite-size educational modules on how to design and build fonts. While something more comprehensive would be needed to become a type designer, it can help hone your understanding of type and craft.
📚 Books
Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding by David Airey
This book is a comprehensive resource that showcases real-world branding projects from leading design agencies, offering valuable insights into the process of creating effective brand identities. It’s ideal for anyone looking to understand the principles of visual branding through case studies and expert perspectives.
Find out more about Identity Designed here
Palette mini-series by Viction:ary
This mini-series by Viction:ary is an excellent resource for creatives, offering compact, colour-themed books filled with inspiring visual references. Each volume, like Neon, Gold & Silver and Black & White, showcases innovative uses of colour in design, making it a handy guide for designers seeking inspiration. It’s really satisfying to look through!
🎮 Games
Type Method (Kern Type Game)
Type Method is a free practice game for kerning type. It scores you on how perfectly you position each letter and helps you to visually understand how best to kern. This game really helped me grasp the concept of kerning. I would really recommend this tool for practising, especially if you aren’t so confident with your kerning skills.
🎧 Webinars
Right Aligned (Webinar Series)
This webinar series features the best agencies and creatives discussing their work and processes, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how the best work is created.
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Otherway is a Creative Lives in Progress brand partner. Every year, we partner with like-minded brands and agencies to support our initiative and keep Creative Lives a free resource for emerging creatives. To find out more about how you can work with us, email [email protected]
Written by Otherway
